Beckham joins Real Madrid
Beckham will be playing alongside Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo and Raul
England captain David Beckham has signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid.
Manchester United confirmed on Tuesday that they had agreed to sell the 28-year-old midfielder to the Spanish giants for a fee of £24.5m.
" The deal is expected to be completed in July, conditional upon approval by the boards of Manchester United and Real Madrid, and on the provision of satisfactory payment guarantees," the Premiership champions said in a statement.
" David Beckham has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and expects to sign his new contract with the club on completion."
I´ve known David since he was 11 years of age, and its been a pleasure to see him grow and develop into the player he has become
Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United manager
Peter Kenyon, chief executive of Manchester United, said: " While we are sad to see David go after so many great years at Old Trafford, we believe this is a good deal for the club, and we now look forward to building on the success of last season´s championship title.
" We wish David all the best in his new career in Spain and thank him for his fantastic contribution to the team¿s achievements in the last decade."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson added: " David has been an integral part of all the successes that Manchester United have achieved in the last decade.
" I would like to wish him and his family every success in the future, and thank him for his service to the club."
Beckham´s future has been the source of intense media speculation in recent weeks, with a number of top clubs interested in capturing the player.
Real ´don´t want Beckham´
Barcelona had seemingly stolen the initiative over their Spanish rivals as well as the likes of AC Milan and Inter by agreeing a deal with Manchester United.
Breakdown of transfer fee
£5.25m on completion of Beckham´s transfer
£12.25m in installments over next four years
£7m based on Real Madrid´s performance in Champions League
But Real Madrid, who initially denied they wanted to sign him, swooped late to lure Beckham to the Bernabeu, where he will play alongside superstars Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Raul.
Reports suggest Beckham will be unveiled at Real´s headquarters on 2 July after undergoing a medical.
There are also claims he will wear a shirt with the number ´77´ on the back because Raul currently has the number ´7´.
Beckham: A career in pictures
Beckham is currently embarking on a tour of the Far East having just returned from the United States.
David has been an integral part of all the successes that Manchester United have achieved in the last decade
Sir Alex Ferguson
News of Beckham´s move to Real Madrid will come as a bitter blow to fierce rivals Barca - and new president Joan Laporta in particular.
Laporta based his whole presidential campaign on his promise that he would bring the world´s most high-profile footballer to the Nou Camp.
Manchester United are expected to step up their bid to bring Ronaldhino to Old Trafford and will use the rest of the money they receive for Beckham to strengthen their squad.
